Book review

Sticks and Stones is a collection of fifty stories about facing abuse and violence. These compelling stories are told by a diverse group of people with disabilities, as well as family members, services providers, and other allies, and cover a wide range of mistreatment and recovery experiences. By sharing their stories, these writers hope to empower similar survivors to resist and to disclose abuse and violence, to recover if abuse occurs, and to move ahead to live strong, fulfilling lives. Contributing writers from eight other countries join those from the U.S. in sharing their stories. Saxton's introductory comments frame complex abuse issues as part of the larger picture of societal mistreatment of people with disabilities, going far back in history. The stories featured in Sticks and Stones are wrenching; the authors' voices are strong. Yet the reader is left with a sense of hope and encouragement that mistreatment can be challenged and empowered disabled people can end abuse in their lives.